Assembly Bill 664 Will Reduce Frictional Costs

California Assembly Bill 664 would assure automatic workers compensation benefits for our first responders, so they don’t have to have to prove they contracted COVID-19 at their workplace before they get medical treatment and other benefits.

It makes sense to take care of our firefighters, police, and hospital workers on the front lines of the battle against this Coronavirus. They shouldn’t be forced to litigate whether they contracted the disease at work before they get the protections of the system.

But there is another good reason workers’ compensation stakeholders, including insurance companies, should be eager to join The Los Angeles Police Protective League and National Nurses United in support AB 664. The law would reduce the frictional costs associated with litigation because insurance company denials won’t have to fight in court.

For the same reasons, the legislature should quickly consider similar legislation to protect those who work in grocery, delivery, and other essential jobs that pose an elevated risk of Coronavirus exposure.